If Blender ended right before the Pain Shakes it would still be a solid workout. With the shakes in the mix it’s more than most would ask for. Add the three threshold intervals to finish it off, and I can’t think of a better definition of Sufferfest.
Today the lactic acid-inducing cyclocross/snow riding frenzy in the middle nearly did me in. Turned out my knackered legs still managed better than the SYSTM app itself. Music lagging, images disrupting. Time counter freezing and finally the workout player crashing right at the end of the first time trial in the finale.
Bliss! You won’t hear me complaining about the odd extra minute of much needed rest while restarting. Two more intervals to go … and then of course the Minions caused another time warp.
Phew! To think that once, when the monthly challenges weren’t this invigorating, I actually thought I’d suggest here on the forum a Blender Week. A menu of Blender (Mini Version) for starters on lets say Tuesday, main course Blender Thursday, The Best Way Is Blended as a second serving Saturday and then for dessert on Sunday The Original Blender (NoVid). The rationale being that by then we would all know the images and music by heart anyway.
Let it be known I will never make such a silly proposal. At least not until the 35-year anniversary of this Neal Henderson atrocity.
It was on my calendar today, but I came down with cold and so replaced it with High Time… it was a rough, rough time. No way could I have done even a third of HHNF.
Thank you @Isa . After the first 20 minute interval I had to further reduce the FTP in the second 20 minute interval in order to keep my HR under control as I wanted stick the power on the last 3 minute MAP effort. I didn’t reduce any of the MAP or AC during each of the the 20 minute intervals. I don’t know what it is about this workout but I have never been able to complete both 20 minute intervals at 100%. I’ve only ever been able to complete the first 20 minute interval at 100% but then I have to reduce the 2nd 20 minute interval after initially attempting at 100%.
Sounds like your nemesis.. Good job getting through it!
My history says I have not made it through HHNF at 100% since 2020. I’m hoping to this month. My ftp and map sadly has dropped since then but I’m wiser now
Sounds like maybe it’s a rider-type things. I can usually suffer thru long FTP efforts, but it’s MAP efforts that get me. So HHNF isn’t a problem, but I can barely get thru the first two intervals of AVDP.
Right, the back injury is better enough for me to get back on the bike this week and have checked off High Time & Downward Spiral so far. HHNF is on the calendar tomorrow and leaving the best till last Blender on Sunday
I rode HHNF today. I was surprised to discover that my most recent time riding it was July of 2021! I guess it just never showed up in any of my All Purpose or Mountain Fondo plans since then. Good ride! But I’m glad it’s over!
I had the same with The Downward Spiral. Fun fact: this video tells the meaning of the infamous Pain Suckers. I must have missed this in 2021 gazing at the stem.
I also enjoyed Blender today. Not sure how but I didn’t need to dial it down this time. I can already hear the minions saying I need to retest.
I find it very inspiring to do the last section with footage of Taylor Phinney TTing followed up by a really enthralling cooldown segment. I often wish that Wahoo had a compilation of those neat little videos that I could rewatch when I feel like, maybe under inspiration section?
Lots of times I am way too knackered after the workout to properly enjoy those video sections.
